Trail Blazers Q&A: LaMarcus Aldridge talks about his offseason, the team's offseason and much more

View full sizeFileThe Trail Blazers will be looking for more plays like this from LaMarcus Aldridge next season.

LaMarcus Aldridge stopped by Las Vegas to watch the final game of the Trail Blazers’ summer league schedule Sunday afternoon, becoming the second franchise cornerstone to visit in as many days. Aldridge spoke with reporters at halftime, answering questions about a variety of subjects. Here’s a transcript:

Q: How’s your summer been? What have you been working on?A: It’s going good. Just working on body strength. More power. My core. Just things like that. I think that it’ll make me better next year.

Q: Just looking to get stronger?A: I think I’m pretty strong so far. I’m just trying to get more powerful. I think that’s the part of my game that I really want to work on this summer, so I’m working on it now.

Q: Brandon Roy said he hired a personal trainer. You have one too?A: Yeah, I have a personal trainer. You have to. We need so much work and we want somebody who’s going to be in tune with it, so you have to find somebody to be there with you.

Q: What did you think about the signing of Wesley Matthews?A: Good guard. Very talented. He played well against us every time we played him. I think he’s a great asset to the team. I think he’s going to make us better, so I’m looking forward to it.

Q: What have you been working on basketball-wise this summer?A: Pretty much everything. My shot. Ball handling. Doing more (isolation) moves, (work on the) elbow, more face up things — things like that.

Q: So there’s not one area you’re working on? Just working on your overall game?A: Yeah, just trying to do everything. Trying to fine tune everything and get better.

Q: Looking at the offseason, its’s been very turbulent with the Kevin Pritchard firing and the staff turnover. What’s your reaction to everything that’s going on?A: It was surprising. I really didn’t know anything was going to happen. But it’s a part of the business. I love all those guys. I think all them will do well. But this is Paul Allen’s team and (coach) Nate (McMillan) has a big say, so I think they just wanted to try something new.

Q: Have you been following it or have you been staying out of it?A: There’s been so much stuff going on. I just tried to stay focused on trying to get better and trying to take care of myself and make sure I’m ready for next season.

Q: What do you think about all the talk about Rudy Fernandez leaving?A: I haven’t heard anything. I heard some rumors about him expressing he wasn’t happy. But I haven’t heard anything else. But I like him as a teammate, he’s a very good guy so hopefully he comes back. But, like I said, it’s a business. Guys want to be where they’re happy. So if he’s unhappy ...

Q: Has Rudy ever said anything to you about wanting to leave?A: No.

Q: What do you think about the way things have gone on this offseason around the league? From LeBron James to the big contracts handed out?A: That’s the NBA. It’s starting to look like baseball. I was talking to my homeboy and it’s starting to look like baseball, like the Yankees. You can go buy all your players. But it just makes it more interesting for next year. ... It’s a big difference.

Q: Some people have said if you had waited to this offseason you would have signed for max money?A: Shoulda, woulda, coulda, you know? I don’t live in the past. It didn’t happen. I’m happy with everything that’s going on; happy to be here.

Q: When are you coming back to Portland?A: When it’s time to start training camp probably. September or October.

Q: What do you think about Kaleb Canales’ job as summer league coach?A: I’ve been asking the guys, trying to get insight. They said he’s a really good coach. He gives freedom, but he also gives structure.

Q: What happened with Team USA? Why did you back out on that?A: My body was just tired. I played the most minutes I’ve ever played in the NBA. So I wanted to give my body time to heal. I didn’t want to get any nagging injuries.

Q: Just needed a break?A: Yeah. My body was just tired, real tired.

Q: One of those deals where your priority is with the Blazers and there’s a fine line there?A: Yeah. I wanted to do it. It’s an honor. But I don’t want to run myself into the ground to where I can’t play well next season. So I picked rest over being overly tired.

Q: Are you going to try and play on the Olympic team going forward?A: I think I will. I think going forward, I’m going to try to.